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REVEALED: How Spa ‘Open Wound’ Started Andretti Takeover Talks at Alfa Romeo F1


REVEALED: How Spa 'Open Wound' Started Andretti Takeover Talks at Alfa Romeo F1

There was a lot of talk about whether or not Alfa Romeo would be sold to Andretti Autosports. Now with the debate being over, the president of Sauber Holding, Pascal Picci reveals what really happened.

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It all started at the infamous Belgian Grand Prix, where a rain-soaked Spa awarded their rivals, Williams with three points. This was one of the main reasons that the Swiss-based team wanted to be sold.

The former president of Sauber reveals why they thought about selling

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Speaking to Franco Nugnes from Motorsport.com, Picci said, “What happened at the Belgian GP is still an open wound. Having had a three-lap non-race behind the safety car allowed Williams to earn points that took away almost any chance of regaining their position in the Constructors’ World Championship.”

Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 27, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen during practice REUTERS/Johanna Geron

“Spa was an important watershed for us: it was one of the main reasons why we decided to give up F1 and to sell,” he explained. (Translated from Italian via Google)

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New faces for Alfa Romeo in 2022

At the end of this season, Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will both part ways with the Swiss-based team. This clears the path for Valtteri Bottas and Zhou, who will be behind the wheel for the team in 2022.


REVEALED: How Spa ‘Open Wound’ Started Andretti Takeover Talks at Alfa Romeo F1
Formula One F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 7, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi in action during the race REUTERS/Henry Romero

However, there are still two more races before the current season comes to an end, both Kimi and Antonio will be hoping to end their stint with Alfa Romeo on a high and grab as many points as possible for the two upcoming races this year.

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What are your predictions for Kimi and Antonio for the remainder of the season? And what are your expectations from Bottas and Zhou for next year? Let us know in the comments below.

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REVEALED: How Spa ‘Open Wound’ Started Andretti Takeover Talks at Alfa Romeo F1

Alfa Romeo F1 Boss Reveals How Andretti Talks Impacted Their 2022 Driver Lineup Decision

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